Director of Manufacturing Operations in Racine, Wisconsin at Powder Finishers LLC

Lead Strategy. Drive Performance. Shape the Future.

KSP Group, Inc/Jensen Metal Products is seeking a hands-on manufacturing leader to drive operational excellence, strengthen accountability, improve execution, and build scalable operating systems across our manufacturing businesses. This is not a corporate executive role designed to lead from a conference room.

We are looking for a proven change agent who is equally comfortable reviewing financial results, leading daily operational reviews, solving production challenges on the shop floor, and developing frontline leaders.

This is a multi-site position, initially focused on Jensen Metal Products and Jensen Powder Finishers. The successful candidate will build the structure, discipline, and performance culture needed to support long-term growth across KSP Group.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in fabrication and manufacturing environments, a strong operational and financial mindset, and a proven ability to lead teams through growth and transformation.

About KSP Group

KSP Group is a family-owned organization with a diverse portfolio of manufacturing and consumer product companies

• Jensen Metal Products – Custom metal fabrication, welding, machining, laser cutting, engineering and contract manufacturing solutions (Racine, WI)
• Jensen Powder Finishers – Advanced powder coating and finishing services (Sturtevant, WI)
• Jensen Castings – Manufacturer of premium GFRC concrete fire features (Richland Center, WI)
• Real Flame – A leading designer and manufacturer of fireplaces, fire tables, and outdoor living products sold through major retailers across North America (Union Grove, WI)

Together, our companies are built on innovation, craftsmanship, customer partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Here, you'll have the opportunity to make a visible impact, influence company strategy, and help shape the future of multiple growing businesses.

What You'll Do

Executive Strategic & Business Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of operational strategies that support long-term business objectives and growth initiatives
• Partner with executive leadership to establish priorities, allocate resources, and drive enterprise-wide operational improvements
• Lead plant leadership teams in defining strategic direction, performance goals, and key operational initiatives
• Identify opportunities for automation, process optimization, capacity expansion, and operational scalability

Financial & Operational Performance

• Own operational performance and P&L results across assigned manufacturing operations
• Develop departmental budgets, monitor spending, and ensure responsible management of operational resources
• Analyze manufacturing costs, labor efficiency, productivity metrics, and operating expenses to drive profitability
• Report on operational performance and improvement initiatives to executive leadership

Manufacturing Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across fabrication, welding, machining, powder coating, assembly, engineering, and support functions
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, root cause problem solving, and waste reduction efforts
• Improve throughput, quality, safety, delivery performance, and overall operational efficiency
• Lead cross-functional projects focused on sustainable operational gains and measurable business results

Leadership & Culture

• Build, coach, and develop high-performing operational leadership teams
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Promote employee engagement while creating a safe, quality-focused work environment

What We're Looking For

• Demonstrated success leading directly from the manufacturing floor, including personal involvement in:
• Production planning and scheduling
• Labor performance management
• Quality improvement initiatives
• Corrective action processes
• Maintenance and equipment planning
• Capital investment justification
• Safety and operational accountability
• Frontline leadership development
• Proven track record of transforming entrepreneurial manufacturing organizations into process-driven, scalable operations through both strategic leadership and active engagement with frontline teams
• Ability to establish accountability without creating unnecessary bureaucracy
• Strong understanding of fabrication, welding, machining, finishing, assembly, materials management, and manufacturing cost drivers

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or related field, preferred
• Multi-site manufacturing leadership experience
• Lean Six Sigma certification
• Experience within both contract manufacturing and consumer products environments
• ERP/MRP system experience

Travel Requirements

• Regular travel between KSP Group facilities, including Jensen Metal Products, Jensen Powder Finishers, Jensen Castings, and Real Flame locations
• Frequent presence on manufacturing floors to support leadership teams, operational reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Approximately 25-50% travel, primarily within Wisconsin and company operating locations
• Occasional overnight travel for customer visits, supplier meetings, strategic initiatives, and industry events

About Us

Jensen Metal Products is a metal fabrication business with over 100 years of experience serving the Midwest and surrounding regions with custom, quality sheet metal parts and assemblies. With a broad range of manufacturing capabilities, we produce a diverse portfolio of products, including our own line of fireplaces, which has been in production since 1970. We serve many types of businesses including the agricultural, retail, energy and healthcare fields. From engineering to packaging, our goal is to be a one-stop shop that exceeds our customers’ expectations for quality, delivery, great customer service and cost. At Jensen Metal Products we pride ourselves on having strong, long-lasting relationships with our employees and customers. We welcome you to join our team!

Benefits

• Competitive base salary plus profit sharing
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options (HDHP and copay), FSA benefits, and the ability to use your existing HSA
• Company-funded medical deductible reimbursement — up to $1,000 (individual) / $2,000 (family)
• 401(k) with company match up to 4%
• Life and disability insurance and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Annual Safety PPE Reimbursement
• A collaborative, team-oriented environment with direct access to leadership and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing organization
• Company-sponsored team events and outings that foster connection and celebrate team success

Work Authorization

Jensen Metal Products does not sponsor employment visas now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Recruiting Agencies

Jensen Metal Products does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, recruiting firms, or search agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to Jensen Metal Products employees or through our application process will become the property of Jensen Metal Products, and no fee will be paid if the candidate is hired.